Jazzed up Cottage Cheese

Do you find you're always rushed for time, getting the kids off to school, doing paperwork, answering the phone, running errands, getting dinner ready, walking the dogs......with barely a minute for yourself let alone time to sit down and have a bite to eat?  Well you're not alone. 

In today's society we are so wired that even when we do have a few minutes alone, the computer is on, our cell phone is ringing we're getting text messages on our ipad or iphone - that many of us find ourselves grabbing whatever we can to eat.  Oftentimes that means something unhealthy.  I'm a victim of this as well, unless I think ahead to prepare quick healthy foods on those days I've got a hectic schedule.

My favorite quick healthy fix is Cottage Cheese.  I love the stuff and although it may sound boring to you a 1-cup serving provides your body with 28 grams of casein protein.  These proteins are slow to digest, which means a person can feel fuller for a longer time sustaining you throughout the day and also perfect if you're trying to lose weight - keeping you full longer means less or no snacking.


Cottage cheese is also high in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids which are found primarily in freshwater fish and known for their positive effects on brain function, while also reducing the risk of heart disease.  In addition, cottage cheese is packed with calcium which helps build and keep our bones strong, selenium, phosphorus and iron, Vitamin A, B-12 with trace amounts of foliate, B-6, thiamine and niacin - that's a mouthful!  Since cottage cheese is lower in saturated fat and cholesterol than hard cheeses like cheddar and creamier cheeses like brie, it's a healthier choice for your heart and waistline.

Cottage cheese is fresh cheese made from whole, part-skimmed or skimmed pasteurized cow's milk.  "Sweet curd" cottage cheese the most popular, has a mild flavor due to the fact the curds are washed, removing most of the cheese's natural acidity.  The texture of cottage cheese is usually quite moist and comes in three forms: small-curd, medium-curd and large-curd.

So if you're like the person I described above or have a hectic day now and then, whip yourself up a batch of my jazzed up cottage cheese.  Oh, and besides all the great benefits of cottage cheese, when you add these other fresh, bright colored and healthy veggies, your body will be loving you!

Jazzed up Cottage Cheese

1 (24 oz.) container of Cottage Cheese (whatever fat content you desire)
1 red pepper, chopped brunoise style
1 yellow pepper, bruniose style
1 stick of celery, sliced 1/4 inch
1 carrot stick, brunoise style
2-3 scallions, sliced 1/4 inch
fresh ground pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients, blend and serve chilled.

Enjoy this cottage cheese for a snack, a meal, alone, or with some fresh fruit.  It will make you feel great!